The center that serves 50 hospitals and outpatient facilities across south Louisiana and south Mississippi lost out on hundreds of donations during the two-day shutdown.

"We have had two days with no blood collected. At a time when blood donations typically decline, this has put the community blood supply at an unsafe and critical level," said Amanda Chittenden, public relations manager.

"We strongly urge donors of all blood types to donate this week to help us get the lifesaving blood components that are needed by our hospitals for their patients. As a community, it is all of our responsibility to ensure a safe a stable blood supply," she said.

The Blood Center will operate on special extended hours and will be holding community blood drives throughout the weekend.